It's that time of year when serious car collectors and enthusiast from around the world make the trek to Scottsdale, Arizona, where a half dozen auctions this week will sell nearly $200 million of old (and a few new) cars. Of course, the draw of the Arizona climate this time of year is pretty strong on its own. Mix in about three thousand collector cars for sale and the who's who of the hobby all show up to buy, sell or just see and be seen.

Of course, the eight hundred pound gorilla in this week's auction mania is Barrett-Jackson. Over fifteen hundred cars of all shapes and sizes and all at no reserve. It has become a media phenomenon with almost non-stop coverage on the Speed Channel starting on Tuesday, January 18. I've been there several times and, trust me, it's not all glitter. Having said that, I admit that watching it on tv when I can't be Scottsdale is a guilty pleasure, but please don't tell anyone. Check out this year's offerings at www.barrett-jackson.com .

We are on the eve of the opening of the largest new car show in the United States. The North American International Auto Show opened to the press yesterday and will officially be open to the public on Saturday, January 15.